Decorative golf club grip

ABSTRACT

A grip for the handle of a golf club having at least a polymerized region with two or more polymers. The first and second polymers cooperate to form a pattern on the top surface of the region. The region may be combined with a substrate to form a sheet. The sheet may be formed into a grip interface having any of a number of shapes including a panel shape. In the case of a panel shaped grip interface, the panel is then attached to an underlisting sleeve to form the grip. The grip reduces impact shock and provides a feeling of tackiness in the manner of a spirally wrapped polyurethane-felt grip while allowing the use of multiple colors being polymerized together. The grip may be easily installed onto a golf club shaft and further accommodates the use of polymers including various different characteristics including level of tackiness or durometer.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 11/172,770, filed Jul. 1, 2005, pending,11/417,643, filed May 3, 2006, pending, 11/417,696, filed May 3, 2006,pending, 11/417,623, filed May 3, 2006, pending and U.S. Pat. Nos.5,797,813, 6,676,534, 6,244,975, 6,627,027, 6,695,713, 6,843,732, and6,857,971, each in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to an improved grip for shafts. In particular,this application relates to an improved grip for the shafts of golfclubs.

2. Description of the Related Art

Applicant has previously developed resilient grips which successfullyreduce impact shock to the muscle and arm joints of the users of golfclubs and also provide a feeling of tackiness between the player's handsand the grip. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,813 granted toApplicant on Aug. 25, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,732 granted to Applicanton Jan. 18, 2005, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,971 granted to Applicant onFeb. 22, 2005.

Applicant has invented other grips in which different physicalcharacteristics, including color, tackiness, and durometer, could beincluded by using separate panels or strips, each having differentphysical characteristics as desired. Color is also varied by adding aregion of paint over the outer surface of the grip.

While such grips have continued to prove satisfactory in reducing impactshock, they allow for only limited display of decorative designs andlimited placement of colors. Further, adding additional panels and/orinserts creates seams between the colors and increases the cost ofmanufacture. In addition, adding a region of paint over the outersurface of the grip creates regions on the surface, namely where thepaint is positioned, with reduced tackiness and altered wear properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the golf club grip of the present invention provide adesired appearance without sacrificing tackiness, wear properties, slipresistance, and shock absorption properties. Desirably, a grip is formedfrom at least a sheet incorporating more than one color and/or otherphysical characteristic. Two or more polymers are combined wherein thepolymers have one or more different characteristics. Though the polymersare combined, the different characteristics desirably remain separateand contrasting. The contrast of the characteristics may desirablycreate a pattern on the top surface of the grip. For example,embodiments of the present invention allow for the introduction of twoor more colored polymers into a porous polymerized region exhibiting apattern on its top surface defined by the different colors. Embodimentsof the present invention also allow for the introduction of two or morepolymers with different levels of tackiness, which, when combined, forma porous polymerized region where the different levels of tackinesscreate a pattern. Sheets made according to embodiments of the presentinvention may be formed into panels, strips, panels with cut-outs, orinserts for use in the various grip applications incorporated herein byreference.

Embodiments of the present invention can accommodate multiple colorcombinations, thus appealing to golfers and college programs who wish todisplay their school colors while playing the sport they love. Further,embodiments provide the opportunity to create a unique décor which mayinclude random or semi-random patterns on the grips. Furthermore,embodiments of the present invention allow placement of materials withdifferent characteristics in various areas. The choice of materials canbe made to adjust various parameters of the grip, such as tackiness,feel, color, and/or durability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments of theinvention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club provided with a gripaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a grip according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a portion of a method of making asheet according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the schematic view shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an apparatus for use in a portion ofa method of making a sheet according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8A is a SEM image at 100 times magnification of a cross-section ofa sample sheet made according to a method of one embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a SEM image at 500 times magnification of a portion of thecross-section shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a SEM image at 100 times magnification of a cross-section ofa sample sheet made according to a method of the prior art;

FIG. 9B is a SEM image at 500 times magnification of a portion of thecross-section shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line10-10 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the sheet inFIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a panel shaped grip interface of a gripaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side view showing a first longitudinal side of a panelbeing skived according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a second longitudinal side of a panelbeing skived parallel to the first side according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view showing the top and bottom sides of a panel ofone embodiment being skived anti-parallel to each other;

FIG. 16 is a front view of an underlisting sleeve of a grip according toone embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the linedesignated 17-17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 18 in FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 19 in FIG.17;

FIG. 20 is a rear view showing adhesive being applied to a panel of agrip according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a front view showing adhesive being applied to the exteriorof an underlisting sleeve according to one embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a rear view showing a panel being coupled to an underlistingsleeve according to one embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a rear view showing another step in a panel being coupled toan underlisting sleeve according to one embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the linedesignated 24-24 in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the linedesignated 25-25 in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of a panel coupled to an underlisting sleeveaccording to one embodiment.

While embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to thefigures, it is intended that changes and modifications can be made tothe described embodiments without departing from the true scope andspirit of the subject invention as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms top and bottom are used throughout the application inreference to elements on opposite sides from each other. For example,when describing the top end of a golf club grip, the term “top” is usedto refer to that end which would be positioned farthest from the clubhead when the grip is installed on a club, i.e., the end closest to thegolfer if that golfer were to be swinging or stroking the club.Similarly, when describing the bottom end of a grip, the term “bottom”is used to refer to that end which is furthest from the butt end of theclub. When referring to surfaces, for example when describing the topsurface of a region of polyurethane that will be used in a golf clubgrip, the term “top” is used to refer to the surface of the polyurethanewhich would be furthest from the shaft of the club when that grip ismounted. Similarly, when describing the bottom surface of the region,the term “bottom” is used to refer to the opposite surface, i.e. thesurface closest to the shaft of the club.

Referring to the drawings, in FIG. 1 a grip G according one embodimentof the present invention is shown attached to the shaft S of a golf clubC. The grip G shown in FIG. 2 is also made according to an embodiment ofthe present invention and includes a grip interface I having a pattern28 and formed in the shape of a panel P (FIG. 12). Panel P is coupled toa resilient underlisting sleeve U (FIG. 16) to form grip G. Pattern asused herein is a broad term meaning a perceptual structure. Though thestructure may include an arrangement of similar or identical parts, theparts need not be similar or identical. Visual patterns are understoodto be those patterns that are capable of being seen by the naked eye.Other patterns may be structural and/or tactile arrangements.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a method of forming a sheet 26.Referring to the upper right-hand portion of FIG. 3, there is shown asupply roll 30 of substrate 2. Substrate 2 has a top surface 4 and abottom surface 6. In one embodiment, the substrate 2 includes a fabric,for example felt, which may include wool, polyester, nylon or mixturesthereof. Preferably, the substrate 2 comprises a felt including nylonand polyester. From the supply roll 30, the substrate 2 is movedhorizontally to the left below a first polyurethane dispensing machine32. The first dispensing machine 32 preferably continually deposits afirst region of liquid polyurethane 8, for example polyester orpolyether dissolved in dimethyl formahide (DMF), onto the top surface 4of the substrate 2 to form first web 14. The first dispensing machine 32preferably uses a nozzle, sprayer, or the like to deposit the firstpolyurethane region 8 and preferably uses a blade to control thethickness of the first polyurethane region 8. The first polyurethaneregion 8 has a top surface 10 and a bottom surface 12.

As the first web 14 continues to the left from the first dispensingmachine 32, a second polyurethane dispensing machine 34 deposits asecond liquid polyurethane region 16 onto at least a portion of the topsurface 10 of the first polyurethane region 8 to form second web 20.Second polyurethane region 16 has a top surface 18. This second web 20is then moved into a water bath 36 contained in a first tank 38. As thesecond web 20 is immersed in the water bath 36, the urethanes 8 and 16will coagulate so as to form a coagulated region 22 on substrate 2. Thecoagulated region 22 and substrate 2 cooperate to form sheet 26.

As is known, the coagulation time of the polyurethane will be determinedby the desired thickness of the coagulated region 22, with a thin regionrequiring less time to coagulate than a thick region. In someembodiments, the coagulation process bonds the bottom surface 21 ofcoagulated region 22 to the top surface 4 of substrate 2 so as to fixthe coagulated region 22 to the substrate 2. This bond interface 82 isshown in FIG. 8A. A pair of rollers 40 and 42 are positioned within thetank 38 to carry sheet 26 horizontally and then upwardly out of thewater bath 36 over roller 44. Sheet 26 is then moved horizontally to theright between a pair of squeezing rollers 46. These squeezing rollers 46compress the sheet 26 so as to force a major portion of the DMF disposedwithin the pores 24 downwardly through the substrate 2. Referring toFIG. 8A, the bottom end of a sufficient number of the pores are incontact with the top surface 4 of the substrate 2 to permit fluid flowfrom the pores through the substrate 2. Referring again to FIG. 3, thesheet 26 is then moved downwardly through one or more cleaning waterbath tanks 48 (only one of which is shown), wherein the temperature ofthe water is sufficiently high to displace more DMF from the pores, withsuch DMF being replaced by the water 50 contained in the tank 48. Fromtank 48, the sheet 26 passes through another pair of squeezing rollers52 to squeeze more of the DMF out of the pores to be replaced with water50. In practice, it may be necessary to utilize four or five cleaningbaths to remove a desired amount of DMF from the pores. From the lastwater bath, the sheet 26 is passed through a heating chamber (not shown)which drives out any water remaining within the pores 24 so that suchwater is replaced by air.

In another embodiment (not shown), the substrate 2 includes a flexibletemporary support for the polyurethane during the wet coagulationprocess described above. Such a temporary support would be configured tobe removed from the bottom surface 21 of coagulated polyurethane region22 after sheet 26 is formed. In such an embodiment, bond interface 82 isdesirably relatively weak to facilitate separation of the coagulatedregion 22 from the substrate 2. One preferred temporary support includesa smooth, flexible nylon cloth and is available from the Ho Ya ElectricBond Factory, Xin Xing Ind. Area. Xin Feng W. Rd., Shi Jie Town DongGuan City, Guan Dong Province, China. Other materials includefluid-permeable textiles such as cotton or a synthetic cloth such aspolyester. Preferably, the temporary support would have thefluid-passing characteristics and smooth top surface of nylon clothallowing the DMF and water to be squeezed out of the polyurethane poresand allowing the coagulated polyurethane to be readily stripped off suchtemporary support. Removing substrate 2 from the coagulated polyurethaneregion 22 provides for use of the coagulated polyurethane region 22alone or provides the opportunity to use an alternative substrate. Forexample, it is possible to replace the substrate 2 with a polymer regionsuch as a region of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The EVA region mayinclude an adhesive coating to bond the EVA region to the coagulatedpolyurethane region 22. EVA having an adhesive coating covered by aprotective paper is sold by the aforementioned Ho Ya Electric BondFactory.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a schematic illustration of the seconddispensing machine 34 is shown. In FIG. 5, dispensing machine 34preferably includes a first housing 54 having a first dispensing nozzle56. Housing 54 is connected to perpendicular rail 60 extending along theY axis as illustrated. Rail 60, in turn, is connected to parallel rails58 extending along the X axis as illustrated. Dispensing machine 34 isconfigured to allow the first web 14 of substrate 2 and firstpolyurethane region 8 to pass beneath nozzle 56, preferably at aconstant pace, along the X axis (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The firstpolyurethane region 8 may provide a base region for the secondpolyurethane region 16. In some regions, the second polyurethane region16 may extend completely through the first polyurethane region 8 to bein contact with substrate 2. Dispensing machine 34 is preferably furtherconfigured to move nozzle 56 in one or both of the X and Y directions.In addition, nozzle 56 may be configured to start and stop depositingthe second polyurethane 16 as desired. The movement of the nozzle 56 inthe X and Y directions and the start/stop feature of the nozzle 56provides for the ability to create a unique appearance which may includerandom or semi-random patterns 28 in the second web 20 and, in turn, insheet 26 (see FIG. 4). In other embodiments, the web 14 is moved beneatha stationary nozzle 56 to create a pattern. For example, nozzle 56 couldbe fixed along the X axis and the pace with which the web 14 is movedunder the nozzle 56 can be varied. Similarly, nozzle 56 could be fixedalong the Y axis and the web 14 be shifted along the Y axis instead.Alternatively, the nozzle 56 can be moved in both directions.

In other embodiments (not shown), dispensing machine 34 may include two,three, or more nozzles 54 for dispensing third, forth, etc. polyurethaneregions. Such additional nozzles may be included in the same housing,separate housings, or a combination thereof. It is also possible toinclude additional dispensing machines on separate rails to introducestill further variation in the application of the polyurethane regions.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an enlarged view of the pattern28 formed in the coagulated polyurethane region 22 of sheet 26.Generally, top surface 23 includes pattern 28 because the firstpolyurethane 8 and the second polyurethane 16 each include at least onecontrasting characteristic. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontrasting characteristic is color. However, other contrastingcharacteristics, or combinations thereof, could be incorporated tocreate the pattern such as contrasting durometers or levels oftackiness. In the figures, first polyurethane 8 defines a first color 70and second polyurethane 16 defines a second color 72. As shown ingreater detail in FIG. 7, the pattern 28 on the top surface 23 ofcoagulated region 22 includes a first region 78 and a second region 80defined by the first color 70 of the first polyurethane 8 and the secondcolor 72 of the second polyurethane 16, respectively.

As described above, the two polyurethanes 8 and 16 are coagulated in thefirst water bath 36 onto substrate 2. The application of the secondpolyurethane 16 onto a portion of the top surface 10 of the firstpolyurethane 8 prior to coagulation allows for the polyurethanes to mixand integrate below the top surface 10 of the first polyurethane regionsuch that coagulation of the polyurethanes forms a single coagulatedregion 22 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). Despite the mixing of the twopolyurethanes prior to coagulation, and the integration of the twopolyurethanes during coagulation, each of the polyurethanessubstantially maintains its original characteristics. The contrast inone or more characteristics of the polyurethanes creates the pattern 28.Though the characteristics remain substantially distinct, there may besome blending along the interface of the two polyurethanes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 10 of first polyurethaneregion 8 cooperates with the top surface 18 of the second polyurethaneregion 16 to form substantially smooth top surface 23 of the coagulatedregion 22. Contrasting colors 70 and 72 on surface 23 cooperate tocreate the pattern 28. If the first polyurethane is red and the secondpolyurethane is white, the process discussed above would result in acoagulated polyurethane region with distinct red and white regions,rather than a single blended pink region. Though the contrastingcharacteristics of the first 8 and second 16 polyurethanes remainsubstantially distinct, the polyurethane structure below the top surface23 is preferably seamless between the different polyurethanes with apreferably continuous pore structure throughout (see FIGS. 8A and 8B).

FIG. 8A is a 100 times magnification of a cross-section of a samplecoagulated sheet 26 taken along the Line 8-8 in FIG. 7. FIG. 8A showssubstrate region 2, in the sample a polyester nylon felt, with its topsurface 4 bonded to the bottom surface 21 of coagulated polyurethaneregion 22 along bond interface 82. Top surface 23 is generally smooth.The structure is desirably seamless on both the top surface 23 betweenfirst region 78 and second region 80 and inside the coagulated region 22where first polyurethane 8 interfaces with second polyurethane 16. It isapparent that the structure is not just seamless and not justcoagulated, but the two polymers polymerize with each other to form thecoagulated region 22. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment thecoagulated region 22 is a polymerized region. Coagulated region 22preferably further includes a plurality of generally verticallyextending pores 24, a top surface 23, and a bottom surface 21. The pores24 generally form throughout coagulated region 22 including in theregions where the first polyurethane 8 interfaces with the secondpolyurethane 16 between the top 23 and bottom 21 surfaces. Thoughpolyurethane is preferred to form the coagulated region, other liquidpolymers having contrasting characteristics may be used. Generally, thepolymers will be combined while in their liquid states and allowed topolymerize together. As the polymers polymerize together, the structureof the polymerized region 22 will preferably be seamless whilemaintaining the contrasting characteristics at least on the outersurface 23 of the polymerized region 22.

FIG. 8B is a 500 times magnification of a portion of the cross-sectionshown in FIG. 8A. As is apparent from the figures, the first 8 andsecond 16 polyurethanes are coagulated together to form coagulatedregion 22 with a substantially seamless structure between the firstcolor region 78 and second color region 80 and between the polyurethanesinside the coagulated region 22.

FIGS. 8A and 8B may be contrasted with a prior art method of using paintto create a sheet with multiple colors, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Inthe prior art, a single polyurethane region 108 is coagulated onto asubstrate 102 to form sheet 126 including coagulated region 122. Toachieve regions of different color, paint 198 having a top surface 199and a bottom surface 197 was applied to the top surface 123 of thecoagulated polyurethane region 122 where desired. The polyurethane wascoagulated prior to application of the paint and the paint forms a thinseparate region over the surface of the sheet.

The prior art method of coating a coagulated region of polyurethane 122with paint 198 alters the characteristics of the sheet 126. As shown inFIG. 9A and in greater detail in FIG. 9B, the paint 198 did notintegrate with the polyurethane region 108. Rather, the bottom surface197 of paint 198 bonds to the top surface 123 of polyurethane region108. In embodiments known to the Applicant, the paint coating thesurface had different tactile characteristics from the polyurethane itcoated, including different levels of tackiness or durometer. Forexample, painted grips are generally less tacky in the region covered bypaint than in the unpainted regions of polyurethane. In addition, duringuse, the paint on the polyurethane may wear off giving the grip aweathered or worn appearance. Though valuable and unique, Applicant'sother solutions for introducing contrasting characteristics (includingthe use of multiple sheets, strips, or inserts) result in seams betweenthe various components.

Embodiments of the present invention allow for the manufacture of gripshaving regions of contrasting characteristics wherein the structure ofthe region is seamless. For example, a red polyurethane having a desiredlevel of tackiness and durometer may be used in conjunction with a bluepolyurethane having the same desired level of tackiness and durometer.The sheet formed from the two materials would include a uniquely coloredpattern and a seamless structure having a substantially uniform level oftackiness and durometer.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a partial schematiccross-sectional view of sheet 26 taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 6.Contrasting regions 78 and 80 are visible on top surface 23. Due to themovement of nozzle 56 relative to web 14 during the application of thesecond polyurethane 16 onto the top surface 10 of the first polyurethane8, as discussed above, differing amounts of the second polyurethane 16are applied in different areas or regions. As the polyurethanes mix,second polyurethane 16 settles into first polyurethane 8.

After the water bath 36, coagulated region 22 defines a total depthD_(PolyT) between its top surface 23 and its bottom surface 21. Invarious regions, second polyurethane 16 extends from the top surface 23into the coagulated region 22 to a depth D_(Poly2). The ratio ofD_(Poly2) to D_(PolyT) may vary, depending on a number of factorsincluding the speed with which the web 14 passes below the nozzle 56,the flow rate of the second polyurethane 16 from the nozzle 56, and therate of movement of the nozzle 56 in the X and Y directions. In someembodiments, the maximum and, preferably, the average ratio of D_(Poly2)to D_(PolyT) in some regions is at least 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, 1 to4, 1 to 3, and/or 1 to 2. In some regions, the ratio is 1 to 1 where thesecond polyurethane 16 extends from the top surface 23 to the bottomsurface 21. In some embodiments, the ratio varies in different regionsof the sheet 26.

As discussed above, coagulated region 22 is generally porous. Thisporous region has a total depth D_(PorousT) between the top surface 23and the bottom surface 21 of coagulated region 22. In various regions,the second polyurethane 16 extends from the top surface 23 into theporous coagulated region 22 to a maximum depth D_(Porous2). The ratio ofD_(Porous2) to D_(PorousT) may vary. In some embodiments, the maximumand, preferably, the average ratio of D_(Porous2) to D_(PorousT) in someregions is at least 1 to 50, 1 to 40, 1 to 30, 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to10, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, and/or 1 to 2. In some regions, the ratio is1 to 1 where the second polyurethane 16 extends through the porouscoagulated region 22 from the top surface 23 to the bottom surface 21.In some embodiments, the ratio varies in different regions of the sheet26.

The pattern 28 shown in the figures is an example of the patternsachievable with Applicant's method of making the polyurethane sheet.Other patterns are also possible. For example, in some embodiments,nozzle 56 is held steady as second polyurethane 16 is applied to web 14to create a solid band of second polyurethane 16 across the uppersurface 10 of first polyurethane 8. Depending on how the sheet 26 isformed into grip interface I, the band may extend horizontally,vertically, or at an angle on the grip interface I.

In some embodiments, top surface 10 of the first polyurethane region 8forms substantially all of the top surface 23 of coagulated region 22.In such embodiments, relatively smaller quantities of secondpolyurethane 16 may be applied prior to the coagulation process. Inother embodiments, top surface 18 of the second polyurethane 16 formssubstantially all of the top surface 23 of coagulated region 22. In suchembodiments, relatively large quantities of second polyurethane 16 maybe applied prior to the coagulation process. Embodiments of the presentinvention may include different regions of similar patterns. In some,the pattern may be repeated and positioned such that a grip interface Iformed from the sheet includes at least three regions having contrastingcharacteristics, such as colors. In some embodiments, a grip interface Imay be formed with at least 5 regions of contrasting characteristics. Insome, there may be at least 7 regions of contrasting characteristics. Insome, there may be 10 or more regions of contrasting characteristics.These regions of contrasting characteristics may be arranged throughoutthe top surface 23 of the coagulated region 22 of the grip interface I,whether across the width of the grip interface I, along the length ofgrip interface I, or in a combination of the two.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a partial schematiccross-sectional view of the sheet 126 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.Coagulated region 122 is porous and includes a generally smooth topsurface 123 and a bottom surface 121. Top surface 123 may include one ormore irregularities 125 which may extend downward into coagulated region122. Paint 198 is applied over the top surface 123 of coagulated region122. Due to the irregularities 125 in the top surface 123 of coagulatedregion 122, paint 198 may extend into coagulated region 22 to a depthD_(Porous2). Though unclear, the ratio of D_(Porous2) to D_(PorousT)shown in FIG. 9B appears to be no more than 1 to 100. Thus, if the paintwas a second polymer applied to the surface of a coagulated region, theratio of D_(Porous2) to D_(PorousT) of a paint covered sheet is far fromthe 1 to 50 ratio discussed above.

As shown in FIG. 12, sheet 26 may be formed into a grip interface I.Grip interface I is shown in the shape of a panel P. Preferably, panel Pis die cut from sheet 26. As will be understood by those of skill in theart, sheet 26 may be formed into any of a number of shapes, includingstrips, panels, inserts, or panels with cut-outs.

Panel P includes top surface 74, a top side 84, a bottom side 86, afirst side 88, and a second side 90. A line drawn from top side 84 tobottom side 86 on at least a portion of top surface 74 preferablycrosses multiple regions of polyurethane having a differentcharacteristic. In some embodiments, grip interface I, in the shape of apanel P or a different shape, may include at least 2, at least 3, atleast 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having a differentcharacteristic along the line drawn from top side 84 to bottom side 86on at least a portion of top surface 74. In some embodiments, gripinterface I may include in the range of between 2 and 500 regions of atleast one different characteristic along the line. It should beunderstood that the different characteristics of the regions may bealternating two or more colors along the line. Alternatively, thedifferent characteristics of the regions may be alternating levels oftackiness or durometer along the line.

Similarly, a line drawn from first side 88 to second side 90 on at leasta portion of top surface 74 also will preferably cross multiple regionshaving different characteristics. In some embodiments, grip interface Imay include at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, at least 7, or at least10 regions having a different characteristic along the line drawn fromfirst side 88 to second side 90 on at least a portion of top surface 74.In some embodiments, grip interface I may include in the range ofbetween 2 and 500 regions of at least one different characteristic alongthe line.

Likewise, a line drawn into panel P from the top surface 74 to thebottom surface 21 of coagulated region 22 may cross multiple regions. Insome embodiments, grip interface I may include at least 2, at least 3,at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having differentcharacteristics along the line drawn from the top surface 74 to thebottom surface 21 of coagulated region 22. In some embodiments, gripinterface I may include in the range of between 2 and 50 regions of atleast one different characteristic along the line.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the sides of panel P are preferably skived. Itwill be noted from FIGS. 13 and 14 that the skiving on the first andsecond sides of panel P are preferably parallel to one another. Such aconfiguration of skiving may be advantageously used to form asubstantially longitudinal overlapping intersection of the first andsecond skived longitudinal sides. Alternatively, first and second sidesof panel P may be skived anti-parallel in a similar manner to theskiving of top and bottom sides of panel P shown in FIG. 15. Withanti-parallel longitudinal side edges, the substantially longitudinalintersection may be formed by over lapping the edges. Alternatively, theintersection may be sewn or otherwise joined.

Generally, the top surface 74 of the panel P is in direct contact withthe hand of the user using a grip G. However, as one of skill in the artwould appreciate, an additional coating region over the panel P may beincluded. It should be understood that the top surface of a gripembodying the present invention may also be coated, in whole or in part,by means of a brush, nozzle, spray, or the like with a thin region ofpolyurethane and/or other material (not shown) to protect such surface,add tackiness thereto, and/or increase the durability thereof. Theadditional coating region is preferably transparent, orsemi-transparent, such that some or all of any visual pattern on theouter surface of the panel P created by contrasting characteristics ofthe multiple polyurethanes in the coagulated region 22 remains visible.The additional coating region may be somewhat opaque, as long as aportion of the panel P is observable through the additional coatingregion. The additional coating region may be incorporated into apreviously formed grip G or may be applied to the panel P prior toattachment to the underlisting sleeve U. If used, the additional coatingregion would be in direct contact with the user's hand rather than thetop surface of the grip. However, even when an additional coating regionis included, the top surface of the panel P is considered to be the topsurface of the grip G.

Panel P may be further enhanced with a friction enhancing pattern asshown, for example, in Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,843,732 and6,857,971. If an additional coating region is included over the topsurface of the grip, this region may also be further enhanced with afriction enhancing pattern. In addition to being attached to anunderlisting sleeve U configured for use with irons, as shown in FIGS.16-26, panel P may also be attached to a sleeve configured for use withputters (not shown). Such a putter sleeve may include a substantiallyflat region as shown, for example, in Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos.6,843,732 and 6,857,971.

Many individual golfers and high school, college, and professional teamslike the camaraderie and unification that can be achieved by puttingteam colors on their golf grips without sacrificing comfort, durability,or tackiness because of paint embossment. These embodiments allow theapplication of the multiple colors to golf club and putter grips toallow these teams and individuals to express their spirit and enthusiasmin a way never before possible. Multiple colors or other contrastingcharacteristics can be combined in a seamless construction.

It will be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of theprinciples of the invention, and that various modifications,alterations, and combinations can be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A golf club grip comprising: a first polymer region having a topsurface, a bottom surface, and a first characteristic; and a secondpolymer region having a first characteristic and applied to the topsurface of the first polymer region; wherein the first polymer ispolymerized with the second polymer to form a polymerized region havinga top surface and a bottom surface and wherein the top surface of thefirst polymer forms a portion of the top surface of the polymerizedregion of said golf club grip.
 2. A grip as in claim 1, wherein the gripfurther comprises a substrate region having a top surface and a bottomsurface, the top surface of the substrate region being bonded to thebottom surface of the polymerized region.
 3. A grip as in claim 2,wherein the substrate is adhered to the polymerized region.
 4. A grip asin claim 2, wherein the second polymer forms a portion of the topsurface of the polymerized region.
 5. A grip as in claim 4, wherein thepolymerized region defines a depth D_(PolyT) extending between its topand bottom surfaces and the second polymer extends from the top surfaceof the polymerized region into the polymerized region to a depthD_(Poly2) and the ratio of D_(Poly2) to D_(PolyT) is at least one tofifteen.
 6. A grip as in claim 4, wherein the polymerized region definesa depth D_(PolyT) extending between its top and bottom surfaces and thesecond polymer extends from the top surface of the polymerized regioninto the polymerized region to a depth D_(Poly2) and the ratio ofD_(Poly2) to D_(PolyT) is at least one to ten.
 7. A grip as in claim 1,wherein the second polymer forms a portion of the top surface of thepolymerized region.
 8. A grip as in claim 7, wherein the firstcharacteristic of the first polymer region being different than thefirst characteristic of the second polymer region.
 9. A grip as in claim8, wherein the first characteristic of the first and second polymerregions comprises color.
 10. A grip as in claim 8, wherein the firstcharacteristic of the first and second polymer regions comprises a levelof tackiness.
 11. A grip as in claim 8, wherein the first characteristicof the first and second polymer regions comprises a durometer.
 12. Agrip as in claim 8, wherein the first polymer further comprises a secondcharacteristic and the second polymer further comprises a secondcharacteristic, the second characteristic of the first polymer regionbeing different than the second characteristic of the second polymerregion.
 13. A grip as in claim 12, wherein the first characteristiccomprises color and the second characteristic comprises a level oftackiness.
 14. A grip as in claim 8, wherein the top surface of thepolymerized region further comprises a heat compressed frictionenhancing pattern.
 15. A golf club grip comprising: a first polyurethaneregion having a first characteristic; and a second polyurethane regionhaving a first characteristic different than the first characteristic ofthe first polyurethane region; the first polyurethane region beingcoagulated with the second polyurethane region to form a porouscoagulated region of said golf club grip having a top surface and abottom surface, the first and second polyurethanes cooperating to form apattern on the top surface of the coagulated region wherein thecoagulated region further comprises a continuous region of the firstpolyurethane under a portion of the top surface of the coagulated regionincluding a portion of the pattern.
 16. A grip as in claim 15, whereinthe first characteristic of the first and second polyurethane regionscomprises color.
 17. A grip as in claim 15, wherein the top surface ofthe coagulated region is substantially smooth.
 18. A grip as in claim17, wherein the second polyurethane region has a depth extending fromthe top surface of the coagulated region at least one-fifteenth of thedistance between the top surface of the coagulated region and the bottomsurface of the coagulated region.
 19. A grip as in claim 17, wherein thesecond polyurethane region has a depth extending from the top surface ofthe coagulated region at least one-tenth of the distance between the topsurface of the coagulated region and the bottom surface of thecoagulated region.
 20. A grip as in claim 17, wherein the secondpolyurethane region has a depth extending from the top surface of thecoagulated region at least one-fifth of the distance between the topsurface of the coagulated region and the bottom surface of thecoagulated region.
 21. A grip as in claim 17, wherein the secondpolyurethane region has a depth extending from the top surface of thecoagulated region at least one-third of the distance between the topsurface of the coagulated region and the bottom surface of thecoagulated region.
 22. A grip as in claim 17, wherein the secondpolyurethane region has a depth extending from the top surface of thecoagulated region at least four-fifths of the distance between the topsurface of the coagulated region and the bottom surface of thecoagulated region.
 23. A grip as in claim 17, wherein the secondpolyurethane region has a depth extending from the top surface of thecoagulated region to the bottom surface of the coagulated region.
 24. Agolf club grip comprising: a first polymer region having a top surface,a bottom surface, and a first characteristic; and a second polymerregion having a first characteristic and applied to the top surface ofthe first polymer region; wherein the first polymer is polymerized withthe second polymer to form a polymerized region having a top surface anda bottom surface and wherein the top surface of the first polymer isexposed of said golf club.
 25. A grip as in claim 24, wherein the gripfurther comprises a substrate region having a top surface and a bottomsurface, the top surface of the substrate region being bonded to thebottom surface of the polymerized region.
 26. A grip as in claim 25,wherein the substrate is adhered to the polymerized region.
 27. A gripas in claim 25, wherein the second polymer forms a portion of the topsurface of the polymerized region.
 28. A grip as in claim 27, whereinthe polymerized region defines a depth D_(PolyT) extending between itstop and bottom surfaces and the second polymer extends from the topsurface of the polymerized region into the polymerized region to a depthD_(Poly2) and the ratio of D_(Poly2) to D_(PolyT) is at least one tofifteen.
 29. A grip as in claim 27, wherein the polymerized regiondefines a depth D_(PolyT) extending between its top and bottom surfacesand the second polymer extends from the top surface of the polymerizedregion into the polymerized region to a depth D_(Poly2) and the ratio ofD_(Poly2) to D_(PolyT) is at least one to ten.
 30. A grip as in claim24, wherein the second polymer forms a portion of the top surface of thepolymerized region.
 31. A grip as in claim 30, wherein the firstcharacteristic of the first polymer region being different than thefirst characteristic of the second polymer region.
 32. A grip as inclaim 31, wherein the first characteristic of the first and secondpolymer regions comprises color.
 33. A grip as in claim 31, wherein thefirst characteristic of the first and second polymer regions comprises alevel of tackiness.
 34. A grip as in claim 31, wherein the firstcharacteristic of the first and second polymer regions comprises adurometer.
 35. A grip as in claim 31, wherein the first polymer furthercomprises a second characteristic and the second polymer furthercomprises a second characteristic, the second characteristic of thefirst polymer region being different than the second characteristic ofthe second polymer region.
 36. A grip as in claim 35, wherein the firstcharacteristic comprises color and the second characteristic comprises alevel of tackiness.
 37. A grip as in claim 31, wherein the top surfaceof the polymerized region further comprises a heat compressed frictionenhancing pattern.